Leaving Cert Results Day

Leaving Cert results are typically released in late August (exact date varies each year, usually the second or third Friday in August). Results are available online through the Candidates Self-Service Portal operated by the State Examinations Commission (SEC). Your school will also provide a printed statement of results if you request one.

Understanding Your Statement of Results

Your results slip shows:

Each subject you sat, with the level taken (Higher, Ordinary or Foundation)
The grade awarded (H1–H8, O1–O8, F1–F8)
The percentage marks (if you opt to see them)
Your total CAO points (calculated automatically by the CAO using your best six subjects)

If you took Higher Level Maths and achieved H6 or higher, the 25 bonus points are already included in your CAO points total.

Viewing Your Exam Scripts

You have the right to view your marked exam scripts online after results day. This can help you decide whether to appeal. Access through the SEC portal within a limited window (typically 1–2 weeks after results).

Appeals Process

If you believe a grade is incorrect, you can apply for an appeal:

Cost: €40 per subject (refunded if the grade changes)
Deadline: Applications open shortly after results day and close about 2 weeks later
Process: Your script is re-marked by a different examiner, and a third examiner adjudicates if there is a discrepancy
Timeline: Appeal results are usually issued in mid-October
Important: Grades can go up, down or stay the same — so only appeal if you have genuine grounds

CAO Offers — How It Works

Once the Leaving Cert results are finalised (including any appeals), the CAO runs its offers algorithm. Here is how it works:

Round One (Main Round): Typically mid-September. All eligible applicants receive their highest-preference offer for which they qualify
Subsequent Rounds: September to October. As students accept or decline offers, places open up and new offers are made
Each round is published on the CAO website. You log in to accept, reject or defer

Accepting an Offer

Log in to the CAO portal and click "Accept" on your offer
When you accept an offer on a list (e.g., Level 8), all other offers on that list are withdrawn
You can hold a Level 8 offer and still accept a Level 7/6 offer (or vice versa)
Once you accept, you must register with the college directly — do not miss the college's registration deadline

Deferring an Offer

Many colleges allow you to defer your place for one year. Reasons include:

Travel or gap year plans
Medical reasons
Personal circumstances
Wanting to repeat the Leaving Cert to improve points

You must contact the college directly (not the CAO) to request a deferral. Approval is at the college's discretion.

What If You Do Not Get an Offer?

Wait for later rounds: Places open up as students decline offers — especially for less popular courses
Check available places: The CAO publishes lists of courses with available places after the main rounds
PLC courses: Post-Leaving Certificate courses at local colleges of further education — many excellent options, some with progression routes to universities
Repeat the Leaving Cert: Over 5,000 students repeat each year — either at the same school, a different school, or through adult education centres
Apprenticeships: Ireland has a growing range of apprenticeships in fields from electrical work to software development
CAO change of mind for Round Two: You can add new course choices in later rounds if places are available

Re-checking Your Points

Mistakes happen. If your CAO points total does not match your expected calculation, contact the CAO immediately. Use our Points Calculator to double-check your own calculation.

Key Contacts

CAO: 091 509 800 / www.cao.ie
State Examinations Commission: 090 644 2800 / www.examinations.ie
Student Support (Citizens Information): www.citizensinformation.ie